Donnie Freeman picks St. John's over Kentucky for college basketball

Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9 forward, chose St. John's University on Monday, April 21, 2026. This is a big change for the college basketball season.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman has committed to St. John's University, a decision sources confirmed Monday, signaling a significant development in the men's college basketball transfer portal. The 6-foot-9 forward, who earned an honorable mention All-ACC nod, is expected to fill an immediate starting role in St. John's frontcourt, providing depth and bolstering their lineup for the upcoming season.

Freeman's choice reportedly edged out strong interest from the University of Kentucky. This move places him within the St. John's program under coach Rick Pitino. The university is also reportedly pursuing Arizona State transfer Massamba Diop, a 7-foot freshman, and is in competition with Gonzaga for his commitment. Diop is slated to visit St. John's campus this week.

The decision concludes a period of considerable speculation regarding Freeman's next destination. Earlier reports indicated a potential move to Kentucky, with Freeman having visited Lexington on April 14th and 15th. Subsequent reports suggested his focus shifted, including the cancellation of a visit to UConn on Friday, April 19th. This shift offered "potentially good news" for Kentucky at one point, according to some observations.

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Freeman's departure from Syracuse marks the end of his tenure with the Orange. His emergence as one of the top available players in the transfer portal drew attention from multiple programs navigating roster adjustments. The transfer portal, a mechanism for players to switch schools, has become a focal point for college basketball team building, influencing program trajectories and creating complex recruitment landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Donnie Freeman choose St. John's University on Monday, April 21, 2026?
Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9 forward from Syracuse, committed to St. John's University on Monday, April 21, 2026. He picked St. John's over other schools like Kentucky.
Q: Who is Donnie Freeman and why is his choice important for St. John's?
Donnie Freeman is a forward who played for Syracuse. He is expected to be a starter for St. John's and will help their team this upcoming season.
Q: What other schools were interested in Donnie Freeman?
Donnie Freeman was also strongly considered by the University of Kentucky. He had visited Kentucky earlier in April.
Q: What is the transfer portal in college basketball?
The transfer portal lets college players move from one school to another. It is an important way for teams to build their rosters for the next season.